Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering
5
2019-2020
02006641
Geotechnical
Portuguese
Face-to-face
SEMESTRIAL
4.5
Elective
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado
Recommended Prerequisites
Mechanics II, Soil Mechanics I, Soil Mechanics II, Foundations
Teaching Methods
Theoretical classes with detailed presentation of the concepts, real evidences and theories relative to each topic, including simple practical exercises, based on the regular use of audiovisual equipment. These classes are supplemented with theoretical-practical classes including demonstration in the classroom of physical phenomena or visits to the laboratory to clarify other phenomena or show the operation of testing equipments. The assignments considered for grading are presented in these classes, with a short explanation of the objectives and marking criteria. The students are encouraged to comment the work proposed and carry out discussions on its developments.
Learning Outcomes
Enhancing the understanding regarding the characteristics and effects of dynamic loading, namely when affecting soil massifs and when caused by earthquakes. Introducing, discussing and relating concepts of earthquake geotechnical engineering, from the characteristics of the earthquakes to the different ways how structures can be affected, as well as techniques that can be used to improve soil-structure response. Presenting advanced and empirical techniques for analysis of earthquake geotechnical engineering problems, in order to develop the following competencies: create a solid theoretical basis in the field; depict the complexity of real problems in the field, discerning between advanced solutions, used in special cases, and solutions used in current practice; enhance the capability to analyze and criticize, using innovative working tools; promote the ability to present oral and written sound scientific/technical reports.
Work Placement(s)
NoSyllabus
1. Introduction to Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering
Importance in modern society
2. Introduction to Seismology
Earthquakes: origin and changing of characteristics during propagation. Implications
3. Analysis of the dynamic response of structures
Damped/undamped O1DF under free/forced vibrations, due to cyclic loads/ base vibration. Resonance. Pseudo-static analysis
4. Earthquake characterisation
Scale, temporal history, amplitude, duration and Fourier and response spectra
5. Soil-structure interaction
Real evidence, causes and qualitative effects. Theoretical and simplified solutions.
6. Soil dynamic properties
Concept. Experimental evaluation: laboratory and field. Strain level.
7. Wave propagation in massifs
Type of solutions and soil models
8. Liquefaction
Problem description. Current design practice and recent advances
9. Ground improvement to mitigate earthquake effects
Densification, drainage, reinforcement and injection/mixing techniques. Geometry and verification
Head Lecturer(s)
Paulo Alexandre Lopes Figueiredo Coelho
Assessment Methods
Continuous assessment
Accomplishment of 4 works proposed during the semester: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%
Bibliography
• Kramer, Steven L. (1996) - Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, Prentice Hall.
• Rebelo, Carlos A. Silva (2004) - Dynamics of Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, FCTUC, Coimbra, Portugal (in Portuguese)
• Coelho, Paulo A. L. F. (2007) Slides of Theoretical Lectures on Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, FCTUC, Coimbra, Portugal (in Portuguese)